North Korea Prepares Large-Scale Military Parade with Up to 20,000 Participants

[Asia Economy Military Specialist Yang Nak-gyu] Signs have been detected that North Korea is intensifying preparations for a large-scale military parade with up to 20,000 participants to commemorate the 90th anniversary of the founding of the Korean People's Revolutionary Army on the 25th.

[Image source=Yonhap News]

According to military sources on the 18th, North Korea is preparing a large-scale military parade at Pyongyang's Mirim Airfield, mobilizing thousands to over 10,000 troops.

The number of troops mobilized is expected to increase toward the end of this week.

The military estimates that North Korea will deploy more than 20,000 troops for the parade.

Additionally, numerous military equipment, including tracked vehicles such as tanks and armored vehicles, aircraft, and missile transporter erector launchers (TELs), have reportedly gathered at Mirim Airfield.

It is also known that night flight training has been conducted recently.

North Korea is also expected to unveil multiple warhead intercontinental ballistic missiles (ICBMs), submarine-launched ballistic missiles (SLBMs), and new short- and medium-range ballistic missiles capable of carrying small nuclear warheads during this parade.

Meanwhile, regarding the new tactical guided weapon test-fired by North Korea on the 16th, a military official said, "It is considered a missile following a normal ballistic trajectory," but added, "Further examination is needed."

When asked whether it is classified as a ballistic missile, the official added, "In the West, the term CRBM (tactical short-range ballistic missile) is used, but the names vary by country, so more analysis is necessary."

The U.S. Department of Defense described this guided weapon as a "long-range artillery test."

In response to a Voice of America (VOA) inquiry about North Korea's announcement of the new tactical guided weapon test, a U.S. Department of Defense spokesperson said, "We are aware of North Korea's announcement of a long-range artillery system test," and added, "We are analyzing all activities closely in coordination with our allies and partners."

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.